<p><b>WINNER OF THE JAMES TAIT BLACK PRIZE FOR FICTION 2022<br>‘Remarkable' - Colm Tóibín, author of <i>Brooklyn</i><br>'Like <i>Finnegans Wake</i>, only readable'<i> - The Times</i></b><br><br>In <i>A Shock</i>, a clutch of more or less loosely connected characters appear, disappear and reappear. They are all of them on the fringes of London life, often clinging on – to sanity, solvency or a story – by their fingertips. With this deftly conjured high-wire act, Ridgway achieves a fine balance between drama and fidelity to his characters. The result is pin-sharp and breathtaking.<br><br><b>Book of the Year Selection in the <i>Guardian</i>, <i>New York Times</i>, <i>Spectator</i>, <i>Hot Press </i>and <i>The White Review</i><br>Shortlisted for The Goldsmiths Prize &
